There are few fictional characters in recent media more iconic than the MCU’s Avengers, as the live-action films have taken these decades-old Marvel Comics heroes to new heights in terms of widespread popularity. However, now it’s Marvel Comics’ turn to reinvent the MCU Avengers within their original medium, as an all-new comic series promises to introduce fans to “older, grittier versions” of those MCU icons – and that series is the upcoming Aliens vs Avengers.
In a release from Marvel announcing Aliens vs Avengers, fans are given the official synopsis of the four-issue miniseries, along with a first-look at the cover for the first issue. Aliens vs Avengers will be championed by writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Esad Ribic, and with their respective levels of creative talent focused on a single series, it should come as no surprise that this comic will be far from just an average ‘versus’ book, but a story that will truly reinvent those involved – both Avengers and Xenomorphs alike.
One point in the official solicitation stands out from the rest, as it makes mention of the time period in which this new storyline is set, while also making it clear that Aliens vs Avengers takes place in a separate universe from the main Marvel Comics and Alien realities. The release says this series takes place “many years in the future”, and that it will feature “older, grittier versions of Marvel characters”. That means this story will be more than just the Avengers fighting some Xenomorphs, it will be one that redefines the team as fans know them today.
When something is described as ‘old and gritty’, especially superheroes, one gets the impression that other appropriate adjectives would be ‘disillusioned and beaten-down’. Perhaps the Avengers aren’t so much champions of hope in this not-too-distant future, but are, instead, rugged vigilantes who have grown bitter from the countless battles they’ve fought in defense of the entire planet.
While not outright confirmed, Marvel’s official release for Aliens vs Avengers prominently noted that these Avengers will be ‘old and gritty’, which makes it seem like the Avengers will be facing Alien’s Xenomorphs at their lowest point. However, that could actually wind up being a good thing for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, as perhaps – after being beaten down by the strenuous life of a superhero – the Avengers will find new purpose by defeating this cosmic enemy.
Xenomorphs are famous for their ability to invade a planet and completely take it over horrifyingly quickly, effectively terraforming any given world to meet their needs. Marvel’s announcement of this series reveals that the Xenomorphs have made it to Earth in Aliens vs Avengers, which means the Avengers will have to act quickly if they want to save the planet – something that will be extra challenging given their ‘old and gritty’ state.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Jonathan Hickman expanded on the upcoming storyline beyond what was offered in the official synopsis.
While Hickman could be referring to the tone of each series, and how one will imprint upon the other during this crossover, there’s also the possibility that Hickman is speaking literally when saying one series will ‘Avengerize’ or ‘alien-up’ the other. Like their ability to take over planets, Xenomorphs are also famous for another horrific trait: DNA Reflex. Xenomorphs ‘inherit’ beneficial traits from their hosts due to their DNA Reflex, which means that this series could give life to Avenger/Xenomorph hybrids.
The fact that these Avengers will exist in a separate reality from those of Earth-616, and that they’re ‘old and gritty’, means that they are not immune to death as they normally would be. Therefore, when Hickman says that Alien’s Xenomorphs are going to be ‘Avengerized’, he may very well mean that fans will see Xenomorphs with the superhuman abilities of the Hulk, Captain Marvel, or any other Avenger fans can think of.
Since 20th Century Studios (an imprint of Marvel Comics) started publishing Alien and Predator comics, the two series have remained separate from one another. This is in stark contrast to the last publisher to produce Alien and Predator comics, Dark Horse Comics, which had Xenomorphs and Yautja existing in the same continuity right from the start. Could the Marvel Universe be the bridge that finally brings these two series together?
Predators were recently spotted hunting Wolverine in Benjamin Percy’s Predator vs Wolverine – a storyline that existed in its own continuity separate from the wider Marvel canon. Perhaps that storyline takes place in the same universe as Aliens vs Avengers, with the Predators being just as anxious to fight the Xenomorphs as the Avengers when the ‘Perfect Organisms’ invade Planet Earth.
Based on the little information that’s been offered about Aliens vs Avengers, it’s clear to see there’s a lot to be excited about. While it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the Avengers going toe-to-toe with Xenomorphs, one of the most interesting parts of this upcoming crossover actually has nothing to do with the ‘Alien’ factor, but the Avengers themselves.
Fans are about to see the Avengers as older, grittier versions of themselves, which is far from how fans are used to seeing Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in the MCU, and that contrast will be an incredibly captivating aspect of Aliens vs Avengers in its own right.
Aliens vs Avengers #1 (of 4) by Marvel Comics/20th Century Studios is available July 24, 2024.
Source: Marvel
Source: EW